Politics at Home: Textiles as American History

Featuring work from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection ranging from the 18th through the 21st centuries, this exhibition includes a range of domestic textiles that demonstrate how public discourses of American politics have always had a meaningful presence within the home. Through production, consumption, and conscious display of textiles, including quilts, pillowcases, furnishing fabric samples, handkerchiefs, and ornaments, objects in the home signal political beliefs and ideals. Join us in exploring participation and representation in American politics in the home through textiles.

Ruth Davis Design Gallery Hours
Monday-Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 12–4 p.m.

In the News:

• Linda Falkenstein, “Fragile contstructs.” Isthmus, September 5, 2021.
• Natalie Guyette, “How Quilts, Handkerchiefs and Other Household Objects Preserve American Politics.” Wisconsin Public Radio, September 8, 2021.
• Gayle Worland, “Madison museums take a new ‘American’ view.” Wisconsin State Journal, September 12, 2021.